Effect of the preparation conditions on the permeation of ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene/silicon dioxide hybrid membranes

摘要

Porous ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyeth-ylene/SiO _2 membranes were prepared by thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) with white mineral oil as the diluent and SiO _2 as an additive. Influential factors, including extraction method, SiO _2 content, and cooling rate, were investigated. The results suggest that the both porosity and pure water flux of the membranes by extraction of the solvent naphtha in the tension state with alcohol were the best among our research. With increasing SiO _2 content, the porosity, pure water flux, and pore diameter increased. However, with excessive SiO _2 content, defects formed easily. Moreover, SiO _2 improved the pressure resistance of the membranes. The cooling rate directly effected the crystal structure. A slow cooling rate was good for crystal growth and the integration of the diluent. Therefore, the porosity, pure water flux, and bubble-point pore diameter increased with decreasing cooling rate.